Sunderland must land transfer targets, says Poyet

The Black Cats are still hoping to make two or three further additions before the transfer window shuts, with a left-sided forward and a new centre-half at the top of Poyet’s wish-list.

Sunderland have still not entirely closed the door on main target Fabio Borini, while they are also in talks with Inter Milan over Argentine international Ricky Alvarez.

Atletico Madrid’s Belgian international Toby Alderweireld and fellow centre-half Virgil van Dijk, at Celtic, have also been linked with Sunderland this week.

And Poyet today admitted that it is imperative that Sunderland succeed in their bid to add to the squad before Monday’s 11pm deadline.

He said: “The problem is here, we have to (sign more players).

“It’s not that we are okay and these two are extra quality or extra strength.

“No, no. It’s two or whatever players that we bring who are in the system of my squad.

“We are trying to get specific players, not anyone, and that’s why it’s been a little bit more difficult.

“It’s clear for the recruitment system what I want. I think the problem is there is not that quantity. It’s not anyone for whatever reason, it’s a certain kind of player.”

However, Poyet refused to be drawn on any specific names who have been the subject of speculation, with the Sunderland boss keen to ensure no potential deals fall through.

He added: “You do all your work, you get in contact with the club, you get in contact with the player, you research if he has the right mentality, if he has any problems, everything that’s important for you.

“Then the name comes out in the press, another club gets involved, another one offers more money, another one, another one and at the end of the day, he is not coming, so I am sorry, but no names.

“It’s been a very difficult summer.

“There were moments when we were very, very close to getting deals done and at the last minutes for different reasons, they didn’t happen, which changes a little bit your ideas about the squad.”